5 Reasons Why Nobody’s Checking for Your Mixtape & How to Fix It

5 Reasons Why Nobody’s Checking for Your Mixtape & How to Fix It

In my many years of hip hop blogging, I’ve ran across hundreds of artists looking to get their paper up by increasing their SoundCloud listens, YouTube views, Instagram likes, etc. Many look to blogs as their only way to attract attention, not knowing that it’s pointless unless you have a solid foundation to build on. Because what’s the point of getting on a popular hip hop blog if nobody presses play, other than the bragging rights that come along with it…

So, in the continual quest to spread love and help a few people out, I’ve put together a short list of the top 5 reasons nobody outside of your circle will give your music a try. Most of the time it’s due to lack of professionalism and proper branding. So, take a look below and feel free to check out our services page HERE if you need help increasing your fanbase, expanding your reach or something as simple as a quick website design.

Your artwork isn’t professional

Sure, I’m all for doing what you can with what you have. But, nobody’s going to listen to your mixtape if it looks like you just slapped a cover together in 5 minutes flat using Microsoft Paint. It’s sad to say, but people do judge a track by it’s cover. And 9 times out of 10 if an artist doesn’t care enough to put in the time to creating a thoughtful mixtape cover, you’ll find the same lack of quality in the music as well.

Nobody knows who you are

People are crunched for time these days and don’t want to risk it on artists they’ve never heard of. So, up your numbers by networking (online and in person) and building organic relationships. The funny thing about the blogosphere is that once enough blogs start talking about you, it’ll increase the chances of others picking up your music. And once people start seeing your name everywhere, they’ll be more inclined to check out your music to see what all the hoopla is about.

Lack of originality

Nobody wants to hear Kendrick Lamar, Drake and Future clones. In order to stand out in the minds of your future fans, you’re going to have to come with something correct and original. It can be your flow, delivery, choice of beats, etc. But you have to bring something to the table that will make you stand out. Call it your unique selling proposition.

Your music isn’t properly mixed and mastered

There’s nothing worse than clicking play and hearing something that sounds like it was recorded in a bathroom shower. Nobody is going to take you serious if you can’t invest enough in yourself to bring your music up to professional standard. You can have dope artwork, dope content, the whole nine and people will still write off your music if the quality isn’t there. Plus, it also leaves a bad first impression, which lessens the chance of anybody checking you out again.

You haven’t mastered your craft… yet

I know you might need to blow up like right now, but maybe it’s just not your time yet. Instead of prematurely pushing out content every couple of days, why don’t you spend that time studying, perfecting your craft and building a lil’ pre-buzz. So many artists skip this part, in a rush to blow up overnight. But, nothing’s overnight. Even Kendrick Lamar. I’m pretty sure you’ve seen that meme floating around of him and Schoolboy Q performing in front of an empty audience… So, keep pushing and perfecting the flow!